IRON MOUNTAIN — As we begin doing all of our spring chores and get ready for the coming summer fun and planned vacations, let me share some of the significant military observance days that honor our fallen, our veterans and their spouses.

— Loyalty Day, May 1. This is a day to reaffirm loyalty to the United States and recognize the heritage of American freedom. A time to commit to helping keep the freedoms we all enjoy today because of the thousands of men and women who have fought to ensure we are a free nation.

— Victory in Europe Day, May 8. This commemorates the end of World War II in Europe in 1945. We are fortunate to still have many WWII veterans living in our community. Remember to thank them for their service.

— Military Spouse Day, the Friday before Mother’s Day. Recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of military spouses. They are left behind to take care of the family, work, household chores and finances while supporting their deployed servicemember. They are the ones who care for our veterans who have suffered injuries or mental health issues due to their service. They are the unsung heroes in the military world.

— Armed Forces Day, the third Saturday in May. A day to honor all branches of the U.S. military and their service to our country. Today we have the following branches of service: Army, 248 years old, established June 14, 1775: Coast Guard, 233 years old, established Aug. 4, 1790; Navy, 230 years old, established March 27, 1794; Marines, 225 years old, established July 11, 1798; Air Force, 76 years old, established Sept. 18, 1947; and finally the newest branch, the Space Force, is four years old, established Dec. 20, 2019.

— Memorial Day, the last Monday in May. We honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year here in Dickinson County we will be honoring those who gave their lives for our freedoms on May 27 at the Dickinson County Courthouse.

A parade will start at 8:45 a.m. from Ludington Street, travel down Stephenson Avenue and stop in front of the courthouse. The main program will start at 9 a.m. with guest speaker Andrew Mendini, a veteran and principal at North Elementary School. We will have musical selections from the Kingsford and Iron Mountain bands and vocals provided by our local high school choirs.

For those unable to attend in person, John Koehler will be broadcasting the event on the radio.

In addition to these events, each year at 3 p.m. local time, a national moment of remembrance takes place to honor the fallen. A time to bridge the gap between the holiday’s festive aspects of the beginning of summer and the solemn purpose of Memorial Day.

We encourage each of you to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance. Stop at this moment and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. It is more than just a holiday, it’s a reminder of the cost of our freedom and the debt we owe to those who have bravely paid that debt in full.

Upcoming Events

Today

— Lemonade Day — purchase a lemonade from the many stands that will be open in Iron Mountain, Kingsford, Norway and Niagara, Wis., teaching children about being an entrepreneur.

— Norway City Wide Garage Sale.

— Felch Community Wide Garage Sale.

— Northpointe Community Strong Color Walk, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kingsford.

Friday

— National Poppy Day.

— 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., season opener at Norway Speedway, Norway.

May 27

— 8:45 a.m., Dickinson County Memorial Day program, Iron Mountain.

— After the above program, American Legion Post No. 363 program at the Breitung Township Cemetery in Quinnesec.

— 11 a.m., American Legion Post No. 50 program at the Iron Mountain Cemetery.

May 29

— 6:30 p.m., Dickinson County Veteran Alliance meeting; public is invited.

May 31

— 5 to 10 p.m., Norway Speedway racing.

June 1

— Opening of Farmers and Artisan Market, downtown Iron Mountain.

June 1-2

— Carney Roundup Rodeo, Nadeau Township Hall, Carney.

June 6

— 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Out to Lunch concert season begins in Iron Mountain.

Every Tuesday night

— Bingo At The American Legion Hall Post No. 50 in Iron Mountain.